Mindfulness A to Z

Learn the definition of mindfulness and then explore seven key concepts with excerpts from the book "Mindfulness A to Z".

K is for Karma

The Buddha taught that karma hinges on intention—the thoughts, feelings, and aims that motivate our behavior. This way of thinking about karma pushes us to look behind actions to consider the mental states that lead us to do them. From one point of view, we can say that the idea of karma compels us to pay closer attention to the thoughts, feelings, and aims that drive what we do.

Karma is often misunderstood and yet is simply the rationale for taking personal responsibility for our thoughts and actions. If actions (including thoughts and intentions) have consequences, then it behooves us to be mindful because this will determine if our actions are beneficial or harmful. Given the choice, would we choose the beneficial? Of course we would, yet to make that happen we must be paying attention in every moment to every thought, intention, and action we engage. Every moment asks us to be present. Can we show up for them?